Toenails ought to be trimmed straight across, according to a podiatrist’s instruction on appropriate toenail clipping. For years, this has been passed on from parents to children, as well as from pediatricians to patients. Trimming the toenails in this manner can often prevent problems with the toenails. Everyone is different, though, and some people require different care to feel at ease.
It is natural for toenails to curve more as we get older. It occurs because the toenail’s natural support wears away, causing the toenail to fold around the bone beneath them. While not everyone experiences this, it is prevalent. Trimming the toenail straight across in these circumstances will result in the sharp corners pressing into the flesh. People with this type of toenail growth would benefit by gradually rounding the edges of their toenails with a file, either during the trimming process or later. It eases the skin pressure and keeps the toes at a reasonable temperature.
However, a word of caution. “Slightly rounding the corners” does not imply “digging out the edges of the toenail.” Stop what you’re doing if your toe hurts, whether before or after you cut the toenail. Consult your Houston, TX foot doctor to get the toenail properly checked and treated. It will, without a doubt, be less painful than doing it yourself!
